CLIMBERS have been warned to steer clear of Scotland’s peaks this Easter weekend amid warning of wintry weather.

Mountain safety experts expect a massive influx of outdoor enthusiasts to head for the hills.

But changeable weather has led to a string of rescues and three fatalities in a matter of days last month.

Ben Lomond alone was the scene of a number of incidents and one death in March after climbers and walkers encountered unexpected ice-fields and deep snow.

Even walkers not planning to tackle technical climbs face dangerous conditions, the Mountaineering Council of Scotland says.

Safety adviser Heather Morning said: “Sadly, during the month of March, three people lost their lives in the Scottish mountains.

“They weren’t attempting severe ice climbs – they had set off to enjoy a hill walk up one Scotland’s many Munros.”

David Dodson, leader of the Lomond Mountain Rescue Team, echoed the warning after his volunteers helped recover casualties from Ben Lomond.

He said: “Despite the spring-like conditions at lower levels, it is still very much mid-winter high on the hills. It is vital to head out prepared with essential safety equipment and – equally important – having the skills to use them.”

The warning came as parts of Scotland saw more wintry showers yesterday.

Strong winds and showers are expected to continue throughout the week.